Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Altobelli.
Nicholas, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
After a tumultuous year in high school, I started playing guitar to pass the time and clear my head. I learned how to play by playing along to country radio; that’s also where I learned the importance of melody and songwriting. While I was in college, I took a songwriting course. Our final exam was to perform our original songs live at a coffee shop in Addison. Afterwards I was addicted and left college. I was not sure what I wanted to do with my life, but music seemed to be calling me. In 2008 I released my first album and I was surprised that critics even gave it a listen. Since then I have released a handful of albums and opened for some pretty cool folks in the area. In 2013 I went back to college to finish my degree and pursue a career in teaching. Now I’m a high school teacher, but the music bug in me is still alive and well. I’m currently working on a couple of albums that will be out in 2019. I should have a new single out this fall. *Please note that I’m located in Frisco, not in Plano*
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Being human and living life can be a struggle sometimes. I make music to make sense of it all for me. A lot of times people say my songs are sad, and I guess there is some truth to that. However, I find them very hopeful. I see a lot of light in the music I make. Music is very important to me. It has saved me countless times when I was a teenager and young adult, and it continues to bring me hope in a world that can seem chaotic. I’m not doing anything new and I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel… I’m just trying to keep the wheel spinning.
How can artists connect with other artists?
There is some truth to that. A lot of the creative process can be very isolating. The best advice I could give is just put yourself out there and play some shows. You’ll find your artistic community pretty quick. Also go out and support others even if you’re not on the bill. That’s the one thing I like about the North Texas music scene: we are very supportive of each other at all different levels.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
All of my music is available on most streaming and digital platforms. You can also find it on Bandcamp and my website. And if you are still holding onto the CD-life, I got those, too. The best way to support musicians is to go to their shows and buy directly from them. Furthermore, if you like a song on Spotify, and you stream it a bunch, buy the single on the band’s website. Buy a t-shirt; let people know you love them. It means a lot to us.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nicholasaltobelli.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nicholasaltobelli
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nicholasaltobelli
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/naltobelli
Image Credit:
Main photo – Stephen Potter
Album covers design by Trey Carmichael
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